Is going "balanced" really worth the hassle?

[MacMan31]

If I knew that I could be good at making cables and wanted to start a business than perhaps it would be worthwhile. If I’m only going to make one or two then it’s likely not worth it.

 

[megabigeye]

Thank you for the list. I check those out when I’m at home. The downside though of buying these items from different places is that I’d need an account with each one. I really don’t want that. Perhaps I’ll look for even some of these things on Amazon or local stores like Home Depot.

You're welcome!
I listed two places because 1) Redco has great prices on cable and connectors, but not much else; and 2) Parts-Express has one of the more user friendly websites for supplies. You can probably get the same cable and XLR connector from P-E, but it'll cost a bit more, though in the long run you might save on shipping. I don't think P-E has the Sennheiser type connectors, unfortunately.

 

[wje]

So basically buy what will sound good to me.
Thank you for the list. I check those out when I’m at home. The downside though of buying these items from different places is that I’d need an account with each one. I really don’t want that. Perhaps I’ll look for even some of these things on Amazon or local stores like Home Depot.

Seeing that you're in Canada, the shipping from most of the vendors listed will be a bit higher due to additional shipping charges and the item cost would be higher when converted to Canadian currency. You really won't find too much of what you need from Home Depot - with the exception of maybe a Weller soldering iron, solder, etc. They wouldn't have sufficient quad microphone cable to build a decent cable. If you have a Guitar Center near you, they sell Mogami quad cable by the foot and would most likely have the 4-pin XLR connector too. For the rest of the items for building the cable, I'd look to Amazon (soldering iron, solder tip cleaner, solder tip tinner, etc.) as their selection is pretty good. The Sennheiser connectors can be acquired from Ebay, but if you pick a company selling out of China, it could take 3+ weeks to get the connectors.

 

[wje]

Just a quick note regarding the Neutrik 4-Pin XLR connector. I'd personally opt for the one with the black barrel and the gold pins over the one that is made from Nickle. It should just cost $1.50 to $2.00 more - but well worth it.

 

[megabigeye]

If I knew that I could be good at making cables and wanted to start a business than perhaps it would be worthwhile. If I’m only going to make one or two then it’s likely not worth it.

Worth it how? Money-wise? Even if you only make two similar cables you'll end up saving, if you assume a relatively inexpensive cable retails for ~$100.

But if you're like me and don't want random stuff lying around that you're not using, then, yeah, it may not be worth it.

 

[megabigeye]

But, once you've mastered the art of making your own cable, your friends will ask you to build one for them. You'll have already laid out the money for the tools, so then it's just the cable and connector expense to build a 2nd, 3rd and 4th cable.

Nah, I meant time better spent than making imaginary shopping lists for people online. :wheresthatsheepishlookingemoji:

I don't find soldering a waste of time, even if I'm not very fast at it.

 

[MacMan31]

I'm going to wait on the reply from Periapt first and see what they have to say. I asked them to make me a cable in a dark green colour (like an evergreen tree) which is not an option on their website. It's my favourite colour.

 

[wje]

Nah, I meant time better spent than making imaginary shopping lists for people online. :wheresthatsheepishlookingemoji:

I don't find soldering a waste of time, even if I'm not very fast at it.

Oh yeah - you did a great job providing the list of necessary materials. Excellent work!!

 

[bagwell359]

I'm going to wait on the reply from Periapt first and see what they have to say. I asked them to make me a cable in a dark green colour (like an evergreen tree) which is not an option on their website. It's my favourite colour.

Watch out! Dark Green causes a mid range hump...

 

[megabigeye]

Watch out! Dark Green causes a mid range hump...

It's true. Blue is cool, red makes the treble hot, purple makes it more euphonic. Grey is the only one that doesn't color anything. Boring, but true.

 

[MacMan31]

Watch out! Dark Green causes a mid range hump...

It's true. Blue is cool, red makes the treble hot, purple makes it more euphonic. Grey is the only one that doesn't color anything. Boring, but true.

The current one I have is navy blue which does look nice. Perhaps I just notice the "microphonic" noise more than other people do. I only really hear it when no audio is playing though so maybe I'm over reacting. I do wish the piece at the Y-split was smaller though.

 

[bagwell359]

It's true. Blue is cool, red makes the treble hot, purple makes it more euphonic. Grey is the only one that doesn't color anything. Boring, but true.

The best interconnect balanced cable - only seen once - were the ones that were equally Grey (note the spelling is key), White, and Black stripes in a golden ratio twist with rhodium plate over .999999999 Silver connections. They cost $2250/ft, but were clearly worth it.

 

[teqshea]

No. It is snake oil. Unless you are running 50 foot cable or or sitting on an electric transformer, balanced has no advantage. Subjective opinions are governed more by psychological factors that any physical reality of the sound. Try to find a valid independent double blind test that shows it makes a difference.

 

[CoryGillmore]

No. It is snake oil. Unless you are running 50 foot cable or or sitting on an electric transformer, balanced has no advantage. Subjective opinions are governed more by psychological factors that any physical reality of the sound. Try to find a valid independent double blind test that shows it makes a difference.

Well they do provide more power...which isn't snake oil at all.

 

[MacMan31]

No. It is snake oil. Unless you are running 50 foot cable or or sitting on an electric transformer, balanced has no advantage. Subjective opinions are governed more by psychological factors that any physical reality of the sound. Try to find a valid independent double blind test that shows it makes a difference.

Well they do provide more power...which isn't snake oil at all.

I do notice more power in that I don't have to turn up the volume as high with balance vs SE. However I'm not really sure I notice a significant difference in sound quality or signature. That being said it does seems that the "veil" that the HD650/6XX is known for is diminished at least somewhat when using balanced.